NEIL SQUIRE SOCIETY 2016 - 2017 Annual Report Contents
3 Message from the Chair of the Board 5 Dr. Gary Birch at United Nations 6 Dr. Gary Birch at OECD Meeting 7 Cumberland House 9 Media Day 11 Community Knowledge Exchange 12 Dr. Gary Birch attends Accessible Canada 13 Hands on with Google Analytics Webinar 13 AMI Inside: Ability Starts Here 14 Access Makeathon 16 #BCTech Summit and Monday Makeathon 18 Laurentia and Silviya: BC Christian Academy 20 Win-Win for Employer and Employee 21 A Fresh Perspective for Karen and Quyen 23 A Wonderful Opportunity for Braeden and Melissa 25 Working Together Helps Harvest House 27 Evan Finds Hope and a New Job 28 Bryon Puts His Life Back on Track 29 Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce 30 Rahul Finds Absolute Freedom 32 Ean Continues to Make a Difference 33 Lori Continues to Serve the Community 35 Lily Gets Comfortable on the Computer Again
Neil Squire Society — 30 Years Ago 36 Zorica Finds an Office Job The Neil Squire Society expanded across Canada in 1987, 37 Lorne's Story: A Computer Comfort Success setting up offices in BC, SK, ON, and NB, thanks to funding from the federal government ($3.4 million over 3 years). 37 Loving to Learn Again 38 Distance Computer Comfort Statistics The Neil Squire Society is committed to accessibility. If you would like 39 Footprints to Employment to receive this report in an alternative or paper format please contact us at: [email protected] 41 Government Funders 42 Major Donors 42 Donors 43 Statement of Financial Positions 45 Board and Committee Members 3 | ANNUAL REPORT
Message from the Chair of the Board
The 2016/17 year was another milestone year for have ever greater influence and impact. the Neil Squire Society. Our exceptional team met and/or exceeded virtually all our balanced scorecard Speaking of impact, another one of our continued goals that were set by the Board for the year. More successes this past year was with the LipSync importantly, and true to our Vision, the society project and Makers Making Change – this is truly an supported and made a positive impact serving over exciting opportunity that has growing potential and 3,700 people with disabilities, more than ever before the opportunity for even greater impact than we can in the history of the Society. Something we are very currently imagine. It’s one to watch! proud of. As noted previously, the number of People served Some highlights for the year... continues to show truly amazing results and The WTEEE Working Together program, which is something to be proud of. We will continue to funded by the Opportunities Fund, continues to look for opportunities to partner with likeminded perform very well. We are either on track or slightly organizations to better serve the Ontario (GTA) and ahead of track to meet our obligations by the end Quebec (Montreal) markets and we hope to make of the 3rd year. This success is a testament to the positive inroads in the next year. As many as 3,700 team who have continued to refine and improve people served is a new record for the Neil Squire the program over the years, but also an indication Society, and yet it is barely scraping the surface of the market need and opportunity the program is of the potential to serve people with disabilities in addressing. Canada.
Fundraising activities were again a priority this Once again Dr. Birch’s leadership continued to reach year with solid fundraising results particularly in far beyond the Society this year. He presented the government and corporate grants. Overall a keynote at the BC Professional Engineering development targets were exceeded despite our Association’s AGM and a keynote at the Nova Scotia Director of Development also leading the highly government’s annual conference in celebration of successful LipSync project. Money raised by the UN day of persons with disabilities. Dr. Birch the development office played a critical role in also remains very active on committees and specific providing the organization with the opportunity to consultations both provincially and federally. This pursue exciting and important initiatives as well past year in fact has been particularly busy with as significantly helping out the overall bottom line. the first phase of the new Federal Accessibility Act, Looking ahead, the addition of a new fundraiser, and the widespread public, and by invitation only, through the support of LIFT Philanthropy Partners, consultations that took place. He was also highly working specifically on non-government sources of engaged with the CRTC and Elections Canada. funding is a very exciting endeavor and we can’t wait Dr. Birch is truly Canada’s leading authority on to see how this might further enable the Society to accessible technology. 4 | ANNUAL REPORT
While there is still some uncertainty to the outcome partnerships, and good governance, ultimately the of some of the broader impacting government and true test of the Society’s success is in the people we industry partnerships we worked on this past year serve and the difference we make in their lives and such as the Federal Accessibility Act and CRTC/ those closes to them. As always I would encourage Telus Accessibility Gateway project, there is clearly you to check out some of the personal stories that great momentum building around Neil Squire being we have helped create over the past year. I am recognized as a catalyst for change in Canada and constantly inspired by these amazing stories of beyond. courage, innovation and dedicated support towards our Vision of Economic and Social Inclusiveness for As we look ahead we continue to see unprecedented all people with disabilities. technology change in our world. We are actively explore opportunities to partner with industry and Of course without the passion and dedication of our government on initiatives such as autonomous many employees and volunteers none of this would vehicle, smart cities, mobile devices, shared and/ be possible. On behalf of the Society I would like or autonomous transportation, smart devices to thank management, employees, our donors and such as e-wheelchairs, as well as exploring the all the volunteers for their amazing contributions ever increasing potential of digital connectedness that made this another great year at the Neil Squire through communications and social media. The Society. future is bright and the Neil Squire Society is well positioned to play an important role in creating a world of accessible technology.
Finally, at the Governance level, I am pleased to Drew Collier see the Board is highly engaged, we are seeing the Neil Squire Society, Board Chair 2016/17 benefits of our governance framework review, have a solid planning methodology and much improved risk assessment and management. Recently we also received good feedback through a review conducted by LIFT Philanthropy Partners that validated the work undertaken to improve Board/Management relations and governance. The year ahead will welcome in a new Board Chair and other fresh minds joining the Board and Advisory committees. Having renewed ideas and energy is exactly what the Board needs to maintain its momentum.
In summary... While we often talk in terms of balanced scorecards, programs, government grants/contracts, industry 5 | ANNUAL REPORT
Dr. Gary Birch Co-Chairs Roundtable 3 at the 9th Session of the Conference of State Parties at the United Nations
JUNE 13, 2016 — On June 13th, Neil Squire Society Executive Director, Dr. Gary Birch, co-chaired Roundtable 3: Enhancing accessibility to information and technology and inclusive development, at the 9th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Mr. Paweł Radomski, Deputy Permanent Representative of Poland to the United Nations co-chaired with Dr. Birch.
The conference took place from June 14-16, 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, New York, and was held under the theme “Implementing the 2030 development agenda for all persons with disabilities: Leaving no one behind”. Dr. Birch was nominated by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities and selected by the Civil Society Coordination Mechanism, which comprises a number of organizations of persons with disabilities, NGOs, and other stakeholders. He represented civil society around the world at this Roundtable. 6 | ANNUAL REPORT
Dr. Gary Birch Participated in OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Digital Economy: Innovation, Growth and Social Prosperity
JUNE 20, 2016 — Dr. Gary Birch, Executive will improve the economic and social well-being Director of the Neil Squire Society was invited by The of people around the world. The OECD provides a Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, forum in which governments can work together to Science and Economic Development, to participate share experiences and seek solutions to common in the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Digital problems. The 2016 Ministerial meeting builds on Economy: Innovation, Growth and Social Prosperity. two previous OECD Ministerial meetings on the The Ministerial meeting took place from June 21-23, digital economy and will mark another pivotal point 2016 in Cancun, Mexico. in the evolution of the digital economy, one in which the economy is in fact becoming fully digital. Minister Bains was one of five Vice-Chairs supporting Mexico as Chair. The OECD meeting provided an opportunity to gather with domestic and international colleagues to reinforce the importance of digital transformation, internet openness, and cyber resilience for economic growth and innovation.
Dr. Birch leads the work of the Society’s R&D group and is currently a member of no less than 14 active committees that have mandates from social inclusion to active professional standards organizations. This work goes towards helping governments, professional bodies and other agencies in their understanding of the needs of people with disabilities. Dr. Birch’s input is sought at every level and every sector in our economy and covers such areas as tax measures for people with disabilities; Elections Canada; federal labour market advisory boards; the BC Ministers Council on Employment and Accessibility; the BC Centre for Employment Excellence Steering Committee and many more.
The mission of the OECD is to promote policies that 7 | ANNUAL REPORT
Cumberland House Wins Award with Help from the Neil Squire Society
PHOTO COURTESY OF CUMBERLAND HOUSE MARKET GARDEN AND FARM FACEBOOK
JUNE 23, 2016 — In June, with the help of the Neil Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Vaughn Squire Society’s Working Together program, the Solomon Schofield. Cumberland House Market Garden and Farm won a Regional Centre of Expertise sustainability award. Recently, the Market Garden hired eight persons with disabilities with the help of a wage subsidy from The award, which goes to projects that make the Working Together program. Saskatchewan a more sustainable place to live, was handed out at the 8th Annual Education for These employees are responsible for planting and Sustainable Development Recognition Awards by seeding, harvesting, and marketing of the produce.
The Market Garden, which sells its produce, helps offset the high cost of food in Northern Saskatchewan and produces healthier food options for locals, while promoting a self-sustainable community. Cumberland House is home LEFT: The garden before the Neil Squire to roughly 2,000 Aboriginal, Society-Cumberland Cree, and Metis people. House partnership. Operated since 2012, 8 | ANNUAL REPORT
PHOTO COURTESY OF CUMBERLAND HOUSE MARKET GARDEN AND FARM FACEBOOK the garden is known for its strawberry crops, and ABOVE: The garden after the has a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, Neil Squire Society-Cumberland from cantaloupes to tomatoes. This year, they are House partnership. planning on expanding their potato harvest.
However, the Market Garden isn’t the only program assisted by the Neil Squire Society in the community located nearly 450 km north of Saskatoon.
10 persons with disabilities have been hired in Cumberland House through Working Together for a new community beautification project. These employees will go around the community doing tasks including cleaning up yards, getting rid of hazardous materials, completing repairs, and painting houses for homeowners who provide paint. 9 | ANNUAL REPORT
Media Day: Workplace Accommodation and Open House
SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 — On September 15th, in support of September Disability Employment Month in British Columbia, Surrey WorkBC and Neil Squire Society partnered together to provide an introduction to workplace accommodation and open house for members of the media. We were thrilled to be joined by Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North who received an overview of what an assistive technology assessement entails with our Occupational Therapists and Assistive Technology Specialists. 10 | ANNUAL REPORT
Media had a chance to speak one-to-one with occupational therapists and assistive technology specialists to find out what’s involved with an assistive technology assessment, how employers can benefit from hiring people with disabilities, and to learn all about the Neil Squire Society’s Technology@Work program. They also had the chance to speak to a Surrey WorkBC representative to learn about the breadth of free services available to employers and people with disabilities. 11 | ANNUAL REPORT
Community Knowledge Exchange
The goal of the CKX City Series is to spark fundamental shifts in how we build and share knowledge in the pursuit of social change.
NOVEMBER 17, 2016 — On Tuesday, November Chad spoke about connecting makers, student 22nd Neil Squire Society’s Director of Development, groups and other skilled volunteers to those in need, Chad Leaman, was one of seven speakers at the and to remove barriers to social inclusion. Community Knowledge Exchange (CKX) City Series: Chad had the opportunity to share the stage with the Vancouver at Science World. Vancouver Foundation, a community partner of the event, who have been tremendously supportive of Chad presented as one of seven “Shift Disturbers,” the Neil Squire Society’s efforts in British Columbia. people who are “more than just experts in their field Vancouver Foundation is helping us put not only the or talking heads behind a podium. They’re curious. LipSync into people’s lives, but also other emerging Innovative. Maybe even rebellious. Their ideas, work open source assistive technology hardware. They’re a and results are busting through the status quo and key supporter of our work and growing our outreach, leading to real change in their communities.” so we’re excited that Chad will be sharing the stage with them. 12 | ANNUAL REPORT
Gary Birch Attends Accessible Canada Consultation
NOVEMBER 28, 2016 — Neil Squire Society inclusion and participation of Canadians who have Executive Director, Gary Birch, attended the disabilities or functional limitations. Accessible Canada consultation at the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 26th. Gary spent Many Canadians continue to face barriers that affect the day listening to presentations and also provided their ability to participate in daily activities that most opening and closing comments. He had the pleasure people take for granted. of sitting next to The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities These could include:
• physical and architectural barriers that impede the ability to move freely in the built environment, use public transportation, access information or use technology; • attitudes, beliefs and misconceptions that some people may have about people with disabilities and what they can and cannot do; and • outdated policies and practices that do not take into account the varying abilities and disabilities that people may have.
In developing this new legislation, the Government of Canada is consulting Canadians both in person and online.
All Canadians are encouraged to take part in the Canadians, communities and workplaces benefit consultation process, either by attending an in- when everyone can participate equally in everyday person session or by participating in the online life. There has been much progress in making our consultation. For the most up-to-date information society more inclusive, but we can do better. on in-person venues and dates, and to participate online, please visit Canada.ca/Accessible-Canada. This is why the Government of Canada is committed to developing new planned accessibility legislation to promote equality of opportunity and increase the 13 | ANNUAL REPORT
Hands on with Google Analytics Webinar
NOVEMBER 28, 2016 — In November, Nina Cruz Program (YI), a national initiative by Innovation and Elena Czubiak from the Google for Nonprofits Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) team conducted a webinar on Google Analytics. The and funded through the Government of Canada’s webinar was coordinated by the Youth Internships Youth Employment Strategy (YES).
AMI Inside: Ability Starts Here
JANUARY 13, 2017 — In January, Executive service providers and the government. Director, Dr. Gary Birch was the keynote speaker at the Ability Starts Here symposium in Halifax, Nova Watch the Accessible Media Inc (AMI) Inside episode Scotia. The event, focused on inclusive education on the Ability Starts Here Symposium. Dr. Gary and employment, is designed to promote a more Birch’s talk “Innovative Technology – Taking a Fresh accessible culture by stimulating meaningful Perspective” starts at 9:15. dialogue between employers, educators, 14 | ANNUAL REPORT
Access Makeathon
JANUARY 27-29, 2017 — Inventors, Creators, knowledge and skills to address a real world need. Hackers, and Change Makers came together at our The goal was for each team to help a person leave hugely successful 48 hr Access Makeathon which the event with a working prototype that improves took place in Vancouver from January 27 – 29. their quality of life.
Over 48 hours, people with disabilities connected ABOVE: Makers busy prototyping and testing their with teams of makers who built open source assistive creations during the 48 hour event technologies that directly addressed their needs. It was an opportunity for makers to apply their 15 | ANNUAL REPORT
This event was organized in partnership with Rick Hansen Foundation, SFU’s School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Tech Soup, NetSquared, Tom Global, UBC Women in Engineering, and UBC Young Women in Engineering and Science. 16 | ANNUAL REPORT
#BCTECH Summit and Monday Makeathon
We had 12 groups making LipSyncs out of kits of supplies that we had assembled prior to the event; BELOW: The groups used our instruction booklets and supplied us with valuable feedback that we will use to improve our instructions.
MARCH 13-15, 2017 — On Monday, March 13th, we hosted the #BCTECH Summit pre-summit Monday Makeathon. 12 kits of supplies were handed out to groups of makers who attempted to build LipSyncs based on the instructions we provided — an assembly manual that is available on our GitHub page.
It was our first event where groups of makers focused on building LipSyncs, specifically to our instructions. It was a good trial run to see how easily makers could follow our instructions and build a LipSync.
By the end of the day — a four hour event — we had two LipSyncs fully completed, and the rest were nearly done. We received some great feedback on our instructions. 17 | ANNUAL REPORT
RIGHT: Our client Lorraine, took home a LipSync after the Monday Makeathon;
BELOW: Jim Ryan, the captain of the Wake Up Honey team at the Access Makeathon, modelling the LipSync on the Project Wearable Runway.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, at the #BCTECH Summit with over 5,000 people in attendance, we had a booth in the Innovators Corridor. We shared space with the winner of the Access Makeathon, the “Wake Up Honey” team, who used a modified LipSync device for their solution.
We got to show off the LipSync at the Project Wearable Runway — where a variety of innovators got to show off wearable technologies — near the closing of Wednesday’s activities.
Watch our new LipSync video: https://youtu.be/Aswl6QrCb7w 18 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
A New Light for Laurentia and Silviya at the BC Christian Academy
BURNABY, BC — The BC Christian Academy is a Burnaby, BC junior kindergarten to Grade 12 Interdenominational private school in the Greater Vancouver area, program, we were able to create two new positions to which draws students from the tri-cities area and help in the overflow of work and new duties,” shares throughout the Lower Mainland. They have 64 Rosie Shen, Business Administrator at the BC employees and have been operating since 1992. Christian Academy.
Laurentia has scoliosis of the spine. Throughout her childhood she attended medical gymnastics to strengthen her back muscles and found it didn’t bother her too much. However, after two pregnancies, she began to feel pain in her back and between her shoulders. She saw a specialist, but didn’t see any significant results. “The pain is there; it’s a diffuse pain which bothers me all the time,” says Laurentia. “I can’t make major moves, can’t stay long in a seat or standing [position], and can’t carry heavy things.”
Laurentia immigrated to Canada in 2014, but even with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and experience working with children, she was having difficulties landing a job. “I think that was because I didn’t have experience here even though my studies were fully recognized here,” she explains. Despite this, Laurentia volunteered her time as a Settlement Worker with the Immigrant Service Society of BC, and as an event organizer for seniors at the Royal Crescent Garden in Maple Ridge. Recently, they started a new program and needed to hire some additional staff. Silviya has a hernia on her neck which affects her ability to balance. “I wasn’t able to drive for about “Through the [Neil Squire Society’s] Working Together three years to work or to do daily duties,” Silviya 19 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
notes. “I needed a lot of help from my parents. I wasn’t employees the time to train them. “No special able to do a lot of things by myself.” Silviya underwent accommodations were needed,” Says Rosie. “It has physiotherapy and received treatment which made been a pleasure working with the team at Neil Squire her feel better, but lifting heavy things causes her where they make the process of hiring someone fast neck pain. and efficient,” says Rosie. “They are very helpful and quick in responding to our needs, questions and With a degree in marketing and 15 years of challenges.” experience in that field, Silviya’s goal was to find a job that responded to her skills and experience. “This program is amazing and for me it fits perfectly. Silviya was a parent volunteer at the BC Christian I hope other people will benefit through this program, Academy for three years and it was through and I will recommend warmly to anyone,” says volunteering that she found out about the Neil Laurentia. Squire Society. “My life is very different now,” shares Silviya. “Serving The Society’s Program was the perfect fit for both in the school makes me so positive that I am serving women. For Laurentia, it offered her the opportunity people. This was the most important to me – to find a to gain the experience she needed in Canada. job where I can serve with my knowledge and skills and Through the program, Laurentia was hired as a help people.” Special Education Assistant where she provides assistance in supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students. This position has greatly increased her confidence “because I can use my skills and competences.”
Silviya now works as an Office Assistant at the school. She works in the marketing department, helping with events preparation, and assists with new student registration. “I feel very good here in the school. I’m positive about my job. I love the place, the school and the people here,” says Silviya. “I am working with a lot of passion.”
“Both candidates we hired are very strong in their organizational skills, which has been a great help to us,” explains Rosie. “They are quick in learning any task given to them and work fast and reliably.” Laurentia and Silviya had limited experience in their new positions; however the Working Together Program provided both the school and the new 20 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
A Win–Win for Employer and Employee
BURNABY, BC — The Neil Squire Society’s Working Burnaby, BC Together program has helped bring additional value to Cymax, a Canadian high tech e-commerce pain which increases with stress, but the skills Sherri furniture company. Cindy Martin, Director of People offered to contribute to the workforce far outweighed & Culture at Cymax, has become an advocate of her one barrier. hiring people with disabilities, “I am confident this is the beginning of a long business partnership between Sherri is a happy employee working at Cymax and Cymax and the Neil Squire Society.” is looking forward in growing within the company. “I would like to grow within Cymax. If I can get certificates At the beginning of the hiring process, Cymax or training that they need in Cymax, I would like to made it clear that the company’s mandate was to participate and go through the company. I really like only hire the best candidate for the job. Cymax the environment here and the people I am working recently hired Sherri through the Society’s Working with.” Together Program, who is now working as an Online Merchandising Associate. Sherri experiences back Cymax evaluated the collaboration with the Neil Squire Society as a smooth and seamless hiring process. Cindy expresses her delight with her new co-worker, “Sherri has been a wonderful addition to our team. She’s enthusiastic about her work, has excellent quality with minimal errors and also gets involved in some of our work social events as well. She’s been a great team member! It’s difficult to find enough qualified candidates to meet our recruiting needs.”
Cymax focuses on a person’s ability, not their disability, which is key to tapping into a hidden market of qualified job seekers. “One of the things we are struggling with is finding qualified skilled employees,” says Cindy. “Working with the Neil Squire Society helps us find talented people and fill our business needs.”
Cindy and Sherri recently shared their experience on Roundhouse Radio, listen to the interview here. 21 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
A Fresh Perspective for Karen and Quyen
OTTAWA, ON — Karen LeRoy, owner of Alta Vista Ottawa, ON Flowers, brings a fresh perspective to the shop as she found her passion for the industry while at a originally introduced to Quyen through another crossroads in her own career. Having re-married in service provider, Performance Plus Rehabilitative 2004 to the shop’s owner, Karen decided to join the Care (PPRC), who are part of the Ottawa-based business as co-owner in 2005. Employment Accessibility Resource Network (EARN), along with the Neil Squire Society. EARN It was this fresh perspective that allowed Karen to brings employers and service providers together to hire Quyen as a floral assistant, whom she describes increase employment opportunities for people with as “lovely, hard-working, and organized.” Karen was disabilities. 22 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
PPRC recognized that collaborating with the Neil rental inventory to the company website. Quyen also Squire Society’s Working Together program would handles the majority of the wire service orders and create the perfect design for employment success. since taking this task on, “orders have been more Karen describes that once she saw that Quyen was streamlined and accurate.” accomplished in so many areas, she was convinced that she simply had to hire Quyen and “try it out.” Karen describes hiring Quyen as a “positive Quyen has Cerebral Palsy, and explains that the experience for all” on the team. The staff love Quyen most challenging part is the effect it has on her and the enrichment doesn’t end at closing time. speech and hearing. “As far as my ability to do things Quyen joins two other staff members for training though, it doesn’t affect me much.” Quyen is studying in Floral Design Basics twice weekly. This has lent accounting at Algonquin College and her goal was itself to comradery and an increase in the cohesion to find summer employment to save enough money of the team. The next social plans are underway, with to pay for her tuition. She is happy to report that the team coming together for guided meditation, she will continue to work part-time with Karen once vegetarian cuisine and a paint night with proceeds school starts again this fall. of the sales being donated to an education fund for a fellow staff member. Karen notes that the Working Together program allowed her to hire an “extra person that enables her Quyen describes her life as “busier” since obtaining to be prepared for orders,” and it has increased the her current position. While her plans for the future capacity of her business. Any fears about “things not are to secure full-time work in accounting, she has working out” quickly subsided as she could simply found a home at Alta Vista Flowers. Like Karen, pick up the phone and talk to the Working Together Quyen has found a new passion. Job Developer about how to best support Quyen.
There were no specific accommodations required. However, the employer already makes use of anti- fatigue mats, stools and height adjustable tables to offset standing for extended periods of time. Quyen shares that one of her favorite duties involves trimming the leaves and cleaning the flowers to make them last longer. “I’ve learned a lot about flowers and what they need. I didn’t know a lot about that before.”
“Quyen has added value to the business and the team culture,” says Karen. Quyen has recently contributed an article to the Alta Vista Wedding Flowers blog, and also manages the web content and recently photographed and uploaded images of the wedding 23 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
A Wonderful Opportunity for
Braeden and Melissa Penticton, BC
PENTICTON, BC — With the help of the Neil Squire SOWINS offers shelter and programs for women in Society’s Working Together program, the South crisis. Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) were able to grow their staff and get much needed work “Thanks to the Working Together wage subsidy we done that they wouldn’t have otherwise had the have been able to start the process of going paperless resources to do. by scanning all of our documents. Some of them go as far as the creation of the Society [. . .], and there’s Established in 1981, SOWINS is a non-profit always the risk of losing the information due to the organization that works to prevent the abuse of ink fading,” says SOWINS receptionist Veronica, women and children, raise awareness of the effects who supervised the employees. “Without the wage of abuses and works to support those overcoming subsidy, we wouldn’t have been able to hire someone the impacts of abuse. Serving the South Okanagan to complete this task.” region, an area covering roughly 4000 square miles, 24 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
For Melissa, who wants to be a teacher, it gave her much needed financial independence, affording her to buy a new phone. It also got her adjusted to the schedule of a regular workweek, preparing her for a future career.
“She has required very little supervision, and since she was already computer literate, she only needed to be shown how the scanner and system work,” says Veronica. “She’s a fast learner and dedicated.” Veronica “absolutely” recommends the Working Together program for other business looking for employees. With Working Together, SOWINS was able to give two capable students a wonderful opportunity. Braeden “We also feel very lucky to be able to give the and Melissa both have Autism, while Melissa also has opportunity to a person with disabilities to gain ADHD. employment experience and help [them] prepare for future employment opportunities.” For Braeden, it was his first paid job and he learned to work independently.
“Braeden has been a great asset to our organization and we feel very lucky to have the opportunity to have him working,” says Veronica. “Braeden is very focused and has an amazing attention to detail. He’s also very polite, punctual, confident and dependable. He required no supervision, and whenever he had a doubt, he would ask and make sure he had all the information necessary to continue working.” 25 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
Working Together Helps Harvest House Serve People with Addiction
and Mental Illness Moncton, NB
MONCTON, NB — When one defines “disability,” continuing to support them as they take on this new addictions and mental health issues are often challenge and next step in their journey. They were overlooked. The reality is that addictions and mental pleased that they have been able to help their clients health issues are illnesses that affect people’s build on their skill sets, add experience to their abilities and create barriers to employment. resumes and provide employment to clients who Harvest House is a non-profit agency in Moncton, may not be able to get a job elsewhere and who are New Brunswick that serves community members always appreciative of the opportunity. who struggle with drug and alcohol addictions, mental illness, anger issues and homelessness.
They have served the city of Moncton for over 19 years, growing to provide services such as an emergency shelter, a community center, and step- up housing. Harvest House has thirteen full time employees, six working part time, as well as three or four staff working on grants.
Harvest House has collaborated with the Neil Squire Society’s Working Together program in order to empower some of their clients who have availed of their services with much success. One thing that was missing from their lives was employment – something that is harder to achieve if you have a criminal record or if you don’t have permanent housing, in addition to addictions and/or mental health issues.
With the Working Together program, Harvest House was able to continue to work with these clients to develop skills related to employment, while 26 | WORKING TOGETHER SUCCESS STORIES
Additionally, because Harvest House is a non-profit renovations in the houses that provide safe, clean agency, having additional funds for employment and stable housing for 32 people in the community. allows them to use more funds towards services He is thankful that Neil Squire Society helped him to for our community — a benefit not only to those get a paid position doing what he loves. He finds it employed through Neil Squire Society, but to all who rewarding to see the results of his handy work and use Harvest House services. gets to work alongside his wife.
One such client to find success with Harvest House “Don’t give up,” says Bruce. “There are people in the and the Working Together program is Bruce. Bruce city that can help. Thank you Neil Squire.” participated in Harvest House’s Addictions Recovery program and lived in the Step-Up Housing. He also WORKING TOGETHER STATISTICS suffers from ongoing neck pain after breaking his neck in 2012 — something he is able to manage on his own. Bruce has always enjoyed working 607 with his hands and his work experience includes a PARTICIPANTS background in carpentry and maintenance work as well as mechanics and masonry. He had been unemployed and looking for work for eight months prior to his involvement with Harvest House.